Protocol between the Ministry of Education and Sport & Recreation New Zealand
Purpose The purpose of this protocol is to assist the Ministry of Education (MoE) and Sport and Recreation New Zealand
(SPARC) to adopt a coherent approach to matters of common interest.
Strategic Priorities The work of both departments will promote and support improved outcomes for children and young
people through a focus on:
Increasing young people’s understanding of the benefits of physical activity to them and to society. Increasing young
people’s involvement and commitment to physical activity from birth, to nurture a life-long practice. Promoting
culturally and physically appropriate opportunities to access sport and physical recreation activities embracing the NZ
Health and Disability Act 2000 and the Treaty of Waitangi. Monitor student levels of achievement, fitness and engagement
to inform future development. Quality effective teaching with clear achievement expectations based on Health & Physical Education in the New Zealand Curriculum. The establishment of environments that are enjoyable, safe and
supportive of young people and promote quality experiences of physical activity. The development of strong professional
and volunteer capability. Ensuring high quality leadership and effective governance and management. Implementation of
effective strategies to engage parent and community networks. Observing government operating protocols for financial
purposes when the expenditure of public monies is involved.
The work of MoE and SPARC will be underpinned by a common understanding about the intent of Government policy and in
particular, the intended outcomes for the well-being of young people through physical activity within broader
communities. Both agencies will work to promote these outcomes and ensure their respective communications with schools
and early childhood education services are consistent. Relevant information from research/monitoring will be shared so
that it can contribute to policy advice.
In addressing the strategic priorities:
MoE will focus on the provision of quality policy advice, and the effective implementation of policy, facilitation of
change and delivery of educational resources.
SPARC and the MoE will promote and develop relationships with the Ministry of Health through liaison and information
sharing. SPARC and MoE are committed to strengthening existing partner relationships that each can bring to this
partnership through alignment and consultation. SPARC and MoE acknowledge the need to work with other agencies where
appropriate.
The importance of quality relationships across all levels of both agencies is acknowledged. There needs to be shared
understandings in relation to strategic priorities, addressing problems that emerge and effective information flows.
Operating Principles There will be an annual joint strategic planning process to establish long-term directions
providing the basis for more detailed work on specific issues. This process will be linked with the annual planning and
reporting processes of the two organisations.
SPARC and MoE will develop an annual integrated work programme on matters of common interest. The chief executives or
delegates of SPARC and MoE will oversee this work.
Effective processes will operate and regular meetings will be held at a national and local level to promote high quality
working relationships.
SPARC will inform MoE about the direction of policy work and the outcomes of policy decisions.
SPARC and MoE will share information and work towards the alignment of data systems.
A common strategic vision, a sense of shared purpose, quality relationships and communication, and effective processes
for managing an annual integrated work programme will help to ensure that the activities of both organisations are
reinforcing.
MoE and SPARC will share communications and maintain a reciprocally well-informed relationship so that responsibilities
and accountabilities are reflected.
MoE and the SPARC have a shared commitment to this protocol.
Howard Fancy Nicholas Hill Secretary for Education Chief Executive Ministry of Education Sport & Recreation Commission